I am writing this rector’s note to you while taking a break from writing pledge thank-you notes! Whether by hand or by keyboard, it’s always a joy to write to you. As I compose these thank yous, the word that keeps popping up in my mind is promises . Our promises to God and to each other in our baptismal convenant. The promises of sustainability for St. Bart’s that we make to every year through our pledges. How all these promises, added together, bring so much hope for 2026,

On Saturday, I was ordained to the priesthood in The Episcopal Church. The service went better than I could have even imagined. The sanctuary was adorned beautifully, the sound of music filled the air, the sweet smell of incense wafted through the building, and, most importantly, there was a palpable sense of the Spirit’s presence and working. In the days leading up to my ordination, I took a prayer retreat. And as I reflected on my call to the priesthood and the vows I was a

Earlier this month, I attended a training for the Interfaith Shelter Network (ISN) operating here in San Diego. Some of you may remember that St. Bart’s has partnered with ISN in the past, using our buildings as a short-term shelter for those who are “situationally homeless.” We are all familiar with chronic homelessness because we commonly see these people living outside. But situational homelessness is completely different and is often hidden. Many of those in this type of